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When you stop drinking, various things happen to your mind and body.
Timeline: What Happens When You Quit Drinking?
After 24 hours without alcohol, your body will start to detoxify and you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
*Drazen_ / Getty Images*
It’s important to remember that they are only temporary and will usually subside within a few days.
After Three Days
After three days, you will likely start to feel more like yourself.
After One Week
After one week without alcohol, your risk of seizures is much less.
Also, your risk of developing cardiovascular disease will start to decrease.
Alcohol can increase your blood pressure and make your heart work harder.
In the coming weeks, your liver will also begin to repair itself.
After One Month
A month alcohol-free is a big accomplishment.
This is usually when people start to feel their best after giving up alcohol.
The brain also begins to repair some of the damage and shrinkage you may have experienced while drinking.
Your risk of developing cancer will decrease, and your liver function will have greatly improved.
You may also begin to notice a number of improvements in your physical health.
You’ll have more energy and stamina,and you may notice that your skin looks healthier.
Some people who stop drinking may experience delirium tremens (DT).
This condition is serious and may lead to symptoms such as high blood pressure, tremors, and seizures.
It is potentially life-threatening, so it is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you experience such symptoms.
This may be more pronounced if you often use alcohol as a way to manage existing sleep problems.
If you struggle to sleep, talk to your doctor about solutions that might help.
Along with anxiety and irritability, you may also experience mood swings when you give up alcohol.
Like other symptoms, the impact on mood depends on the amount and duration of your alcohol use.
For light or moderate drinking, you might experience a more temporary, mild effect on mood.
This is because alcohol can cause changes in brain chemistry, which can lead tocognitive problems.
Over time, drinking can also damage nerve cells and contribute to a loss of brain volume.
“Research shows that it takes about two to four weeks for cognitive function to improve.
People find themselves better able to concentrate and remember events.
People are less impulsive and better able to plan and organize tasks,” Dr. Volpicelli says.
This is because alcohol can cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
Alcohol use disorder frequently occurs alongside other mental health conditions.
Pre-existing mental health conditions can sometimes lead people to turn to alcohol to cope with their symptoms.
In other cases, long-term alcohol exposure can increase a person’s risk of developing a psychiatric illness.
This is because alcohol is a costly habit, so giving it up can free up some extra cash.
Alcohol misuse can lead to serious health problems like liver disease and cancer.
So, giving up alcohol can help you to avoid these potentially deadly diseases.
How to Get Help
There are many benefits to giving up alcohol, both short-term and long-term.
If you’re considering quitting drinking, these benefits may be just what you oughta help you decide.
But if you’recommitted to sobriety, it’s possible to achieve your goal.
If you want to quit drinking, start by talking to your doctor.
They can recommend treatment options that can help, including therapy and medications.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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